The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Memorial Lake State Park Complex, encompassing Lebanon County’s Memorial Lake State Park and Swatara State Park, has announced its schedule of upcoming summer programs.
All programs are subject to change due to weather or staffing shortages. Please check the DCNR calendar of events or Facebook page for program changes or cancellations.
With questions about any of the below events, DCNR asks that you reach out at least 72 hours prior to the event by calling 717-865-6470 or emailing Environmental Education Specialist Quinn Heist at qheist@pa.gov.
A birding walk will be held at Memorial Lake State Park on June 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meet at the Middle Road parking lot.
Bordner Cabin Hike, a three-mile hike in Swatara State Park, is scheduled on June 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants should meet at the Sand-Siding parking lot.
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The Swatara State Park also invites you to dig into PA’s past with Fossil Frenzy on July 1, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Swopes Valley Trailhead. Learn about the fossils that can be found right here in Lebanon County at Swatara State Park. Plastic digging trowels will be provided. Later in the day, learn the basics of orienteering at Memorial Lake State Park, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., starting near the Middle Lot pavilion. This event will also be held on Friday, July 28, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Bird enthusiasts have another chance to spot local species on a birding walk at Swatara State Park on July 2, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the Swopes Valley Trailhead. Binoculars and field guides will be available, but also, feel free to bring your own. A stream study will be held that same afternoon at Memorial Lake State Park from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., offering a chance to explore the quality of the stream by examining the creatures that call it home. Water shoes are recommended for this event. Meet at the Lower Road parking lot.
Celebrate the 4th of July with a Fish for Free Day at Memorial Lake State Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or stop by the PA Mammals Table, also set up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rods, tackle, and lures will be available to borrow for the Fish for Free event, but any live bait should be brought by participants.
Budding kayakers can attend the Intro to Kayaking class on July 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Memorial Lake State Park. This event will also be held on Monday, July 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants must be 12 years or older and able to handle an adult kayak. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advance at the DCNR calendar of events. A $5 cash or check donation to the Friends of Memorial Lake Complex is required for this event.
Intro to Archery is on July 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., near the Middle Lot pavilion at Memorial Lake State Park. Pre-registration is required. Children must be at least 10 years old to participate. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will also be held on Sunday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Explore Bear Hole Trail by car at Swatara State Park on July 14 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drive-thru begins at Swopes Valley Trailhead and goes five miles into the center of the park, ending near the Appalachian Trail Bridge in the Lickdale area. Four designated parking areas are located along the way at the fossil pit, Daubert School, charcoal pit, and near Bordner Cabin. The last entrance is at 2:30 p.m. A 10 mph speed limit is enforced.
On the evening of July 14 at Memorial Lake State Park, take part in Going Batty: PA Bats from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Meet at the Middle Lot pavilion before this evening walk, where you’ll learn more about the bats of PA. Bringing your own flashlight is recommended.
On Sunday, July 16, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., take part in an Insect Exploration to learn more about the important role insects play in our ecosystem. Meet near the Middle Lot pavilion.
Meet at the Trout Run Trailhead in Swatara State Park on Saturday, July 22, at 2 p.m., for Branching Out: Intro to Tree ID. Can you tell a spruce from a fir? A red maple from a sugar maple? Learn tips and tricks to identify common trees using barks, leaves, and seeds during this event.
Finally, close the month with Young Naturalist: Birds at Memorial Lake State Park on July 27, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Meet near the Middle Lot pavilion. This program is best suited for ages seven and under.
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